Bill Gilbert (intelligence service director)

Sir William Herbert Ellery Gilbert, KBE, DSO (born Herbert Ellery Gilbert; 20 July 1916 – 26 September 1987), was a New Zealand military leader and intelligence service director.

Sir William Gilbert
KBE, DSO
Director New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
In office
28 November 1956 – July 1976
Succeeded byPaul Molineaux
Personal details
Born
Herbert Ellery Gilbert

(1916-07-20)20 July 1916
Wanganui, New Zealand
Died26 September 1987(1987-09-26) (aged 71)
Silverstream, New Zealand
SpousePatricia Caroline Anson Gilbert (née Farrer)
Alma materRoyal Military College, Duntroon
Military service
AllegianceNew Zealand
Branch/serviceNew Zealand Army
Years of service1935–1956
RankBrigadier
Commands6th Field Regiment
Battles/warsSecond World War
AwardsKnight Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Distinguished Service Order
Mentioned in Despatches
Bronze Star (United States)

Gilbert was born in Wanganui on 20 July 1916.[1] In 1956, he was tasked by Jack Marshall, then Minister of Justice, with setting up the New Zealand Security Service. Over 19 years, he served under seven Prime Ministers.[1] He was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in the 1976 Queen's Birthday Honours,[2] just one month prior to his retirement.[1]

He was born as Herbert Ellery Gilbert. At the Australian Royal Military College in Duntroon he was nicknamed Bill, and the name stuck. After his retirement, he changed his name by deed poll to William Herbert Ellery Gilbert.[1]

References
  1. McLean, Denis. "William Herbert Ellery Gilbert". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  2. "No. 46921". The London Gazette (3rd supplement). 12 June 1976. p. 8055.


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